In August, I had the opportunity to experience a musical entertainer aboard the Caribbean Princess that should be a model for all of us. Bert Stratton is a pianist who can sing, write and entertain. Night after night aboard the Caribbean Princess, Bert has an audience that listens for hours and enjoys laughing at his antics sometimes twice a night.
Night after night, guests sit for hours with drinks listening and “participitating” in his nightly sets. He covers everything from old time rock and roll to current pop along with some of his own original works. It almost seems that people get an addiction to Bert after so many nights of constant listening.
Bert’s philosophy is that everyone should spread joy through laughter and hugs as it is those two things which create endorphines that change how a person feels. By interjecting a little bit of fun and excitement into his cover performances of popular songs and oriinals, he changes people through his music.
Even though he did a very similar set every night, there was something unique and personal about every show. Although he had a general set list for each night, he played what the audience wanted to hear whether it was rock, ballads or originals. That made each and every show worth seeing. I hope that I will get to experience Bert again at some point.
